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Oval gem with Perseus holding head of Medusa
Roman
Imperial Period
1st century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Glass
Dimensions
Length: 11 mm (7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Miss C. Wissmann
Accession Number02.278
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsJewelry, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsJewelry / Adornment – Gems
DescriptionLight brown glass. Intaglio. Perseus, facing left, bends forward and holds the head of Medusa in his left hand and a sword in the right. He steps on an orb/circle/rock with his left foot. He wears a chlamys tied at the neck that flows down his back. Across his forehead, a series of three pellets to indicate hair. Head of Medusa shows frontal, with flat, wide nose.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: C. Wissmann Collection (according to MFA archival card: from the Buffum Collection); gift of Miss C. Wissmann to MFA, April 1, 1902